Christianity An Easy Target - Other Groups Protected

The Street 'artist' Banksy has unveiled a new 'artwork' in the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool. For those who don't know this 'artist' (and perhaps are wondering why I use apostrophes): Banksy is the pseudonym of an anonymous graffiti 'artist', whose work is categorised by its frequently satirical and socio-political nature.

The messages that Banksy often tries to convey in his work are typically 'left-wing' (for want of a better phrase), and anarchic. No matter how clever the irony may be at times, the work is vandalism (and therefore criminal), and the message that is conveyed is generally socialistic and anti-Christian.

Banksy's latest piece is perhaps the greatest example of the latter. The sculpture, entitled 'Cardinal Sin', is a "bust with its face sawn off and replaced by blank tiles", creating a pixelated effect (Banksy unveils church abuse work - BBC News, 15 Dec 2011). The piece is an overt dig at Catholicism, and appears to be in response to the child sex abuse scandal by Roman Catholic 'Priests', so called. It is Banksy's second piece to be displayed at a museum. The 'artist' had this to say:

"The statue? I guess you could call it a Christmas present. At this time of year it's easy to forget the true meaning of Christianity - the lies, the corruption, the abuse." (BBC, 15/12/11)

We have reported before on anti-Christian, blasphemous artworks, but this one is not quite the same. Firstly (and almost as an aside), it is an indictment on our society that the talentless work of a vandal should be so celebrated. But secondly, this is yet another example in the media of 'Catholicism' and 'Christianity' being treated synonymously. As our readers will know, BTM describes itself as 'Reformed and reforming'. As such, there is probably no organisation on earth that is a greater spiritual enemy to God and His people than the Roman Catholic system, and this will be blindingly obvious to anyone with a smattering of understanding of the Reformation. But, as is usual, Catholicism and Reformed Christianity are portrayed by the media as more-or-less the same thing; two groups with differences and contentions, but part of the same 'club' nonetheless.

Thus, when Rome is criticised, the criticism falls on genuine Christendom also. Banksy's statement is yet another proof of this. As true as it may be for Catholicism, it is simply false and slanderous to say that this is the meaning of Christianity. The true message of Christianity-proper is that all men are born in sin, and that we are totally depraved from the womb (Psalm 51:5). We therefore fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), are His enemies (Romans 5:10), and as such fall under His condemnation. The end of such is Hell (Matt 25:41), unless the debt can be paid. There is One Redeemer, and One Saviour, Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself that men may be justified and live (Romans 5:8-9), and Who is a Ransom "for many" (Mark 10:45).

Of course, I would at the very least have hateful comments directed at me by the media (despite the verity of the statement). I would likely also be penalised or sacked from my job (Demoted for not backing gay marriage - Daily Mail, 23 Oct 2011), and possibly prosecuted under some absurd and fascist 'hate crime' law.

Am I surprised that Banksy is allowed to make his comments with impunity, and that if he had made them against any other group (say, Islam, for example), he would've faced the full wrath of the politically correct establishment (by the way, I'm still waiting for one of these brave men to insult Islam in the way that they insult Christianity...).? The short answer is no. Afterall, our Lord and Saviour declared that in the Last Days, "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake." (Matthew 24:9). The apostle Paul stated the nature of the end times very plainly, saying:

"(11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: (12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

Those who are of Satan will be sent delusion, judged by God, and damned to eternal torment, unless they repent. Our nation as a whole is in this state, in its celebration of all things evil (Isaiah 5:20), and in the way that many scoff at the God Who made them, and walk after their own lusts (2 Peter 3:3). We must turn away from wickedness, returning to the old paths of Gospel truth and righteousness (Jeremiah 6:16). All are condemned in and of themselves, but thank God, there is only one Name in which we may be saved, which is the Name of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). Let us turn to Him.